In the rush of St. Patrick's Day merriment, my friends and I headed downtown to enjoy brunch at The Dearborn. The founders, Amy and Clodagh Lawless, have incorporated their Irish heritage into a Chicago-style tavern, with the upscale swing you'd expect from a downtown restaurant. My partner and I met up with my best friend and her new boyfriend, visiting from New York, so the vibes were high and we had worlds to catch up on. Thankfully, The Dearborn and its accommodating staff were able to strike the perfect balance between attentive service and companionable banter. And though we'd missed out on most of the holiday festivities, there was live music and a sense of celebration all around us.
The restaurant was offering specials for the holiday, but we stuck with most of the usual brunch fare to go with our cocktails. We started with the Parker House Rolls, which came with Nordic Creamery Wisconsin butter, Maldon sea salt, and chives. They were light and airy on the inside with a crunchy shell, and warmed us up perfectly for the rest of our meal. My friend ordered the glamorous Shakshuka, and her boyfriend opted for the Shrimp & Grits. While both of these dishes were tempting, I went for our server's recommendation: the Chilaquiles.
The dish came with tomatillo salsa, tortilla chips, queso fresco, over-easy eggs, cilantro, avocado, crema, blistered jalapeño, and charred lime. The flavors from the slow-roasted pork shoulder tied the dish together, and the fluffy eggs and avocado kept the dish feeling breakfasty. It was a bit filling for brunch, so I took the leftovers home, and they were just as satisfying as a late-night snack. The only thing I wish for this dish is that the pork had fallen apart a bit more from its slow cooking—it became a bit tough to chew alongside the other elements.
With brunch, I had the super refreshing and springy Rosy Cheeks cocktail, featuring rose-infused Ketel One, lychee, Grand Marnier, Chambord, El Guapo rose cordial, yuzu liqueur, and lemon, served up. This was the ideal warm-up for the drinking to come—sparkling white wine our server described as a mix between rosé and champagne, and sips of my friends' cocktails, including the Negroni a Day and Old Fashioneds. We also introduced the out-of-towners to Malort shots, which set them up like true Chicagoans. Needless to say, brunch was a party my Irish ancestors could be proud of.
Last but certainly not least, we enjoyed a brief infusion of Mardi Gras spirit—the Beignets & Nutella Sauce, which were warm, sugar-dusted, and wonderful. Sigh! Overall, The Dearborn's brunch environment is luxurious and warm, perfect for a much-needed catch-up with good friends over hearty food.
The Dearborn is located at 145 N Dearborn St., and brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2:45 pm. The restaurant is also hosting a special event on April 25 at Mint Creek Farm, showcasing the farm-fresh ingredients the kitchen uses year-round. The day features a farm tour to meet the animals and a delicious four-course meal by executive chef Aaron Cuschieri. Learn more and purchase tickets on the website.
This coverage was made possible by a promotional invitation. Our opinions and editorial choices remain entirely our own.
Support arts and culture journalism today. This work doesn't happen without your support. Contribute today and ensure we can continue to share the latest reviews, essays, and previews of the most anticipated arts and culture events across the city.
